CHAPTER VIII.

INSUBORDINATION.

Marcus’s theory of government—How it worked with 131 Oscar—Apprehended failure—A consultation—A forbidden intimacy—Tobacco—The letter—Ten arguments against tobacco, and one for it—An ineffectual remonstrance—Mrs. Page’s decision—Oscar plainly dealt with—His demeanor—The circus bill—The excitement suddenly allayed—Objections to the circus—Oscar’s opinion—A caution—Arrival of the circus—Oscar visits the grounds—Who he met there—The donkey race—Otis—A recognition—An unfortunate exposure—Alfred Walton—An offer—Oscar declines—Solicitations and motives—He is pressed into the tent—Late return home—Is called to account—Punishment—A prisoner on parole—Inviolability of the parole—The Turkish soldiers—Oscar’s promise—Repentings,